Galatians 4:31

So then, believers, we (who are born again-reborn from above-spiritually transformed, renewed and set apart for His purpose) are not children of a slave woman (the natural), but of the free woman (the supernatural).

The devil will use the past like a movie screen across the mind. The born-again believer has the power and authority Jesus gives us to shut that movie down. We speak out loud, reminding the devil of our born-again status, free and washed clean from our past. We cast down any imagination that exalts itself above the word of God. We speak the word, and the devil will flee.

Galatians 5:16

But I say, walk habitually in the (Holy) Spirit (seek Him and be responsive to His guidance), and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature (which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts).

We can use all the help we can get to follow God and His teachings successfully. The Holy Spirit is that guide who will caution our spirit when we take steps in the wrong direction. What looks good on the outside can lead us into a sinful trap. It can be simple, and the Holy Spirit will keep us from going forward when we listen.

Ephesians 6:10

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord (draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him) and in the power of His (boundless) might.

Building up strength doesn’t happen overnight. When we practice the word of God, we build up trust and strength in what we believe. We see God working through His word on our behalf when we pray and believe. Weak faith will not see the same result because it hasn’t developed a faith relationship with God. 

Isaiah 40:7-8

The grass withers, the flowers fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; most certainly the people are (like) grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God stands forever.

The word of God stands forever. Everything around us changes fades and disappears into the past and our memories. God stands firm in the middle, keeping the world in order. God knows the end from the beginning, and when we put our trust in the eternal, we keep our faith secure no matter what changes around us.   

Psalm 2:11-12

Worship the Lord and serve Him with reverence (with awe-inspired fear and submissive wonder); rejoice (yet do so) with trembling. Kiss (pay respect to) the Son, so that He does not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled and set aflame. How blessed (fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God) are all those who take refuge in Him!

When we revere the Lord, it isn’t to make us feel small but to show understanding of the power, glory, healing, and love God has shown us. When we give respect to Jesus, we give honor and regard for what has been done on our behalf. The Lord is our protector, but we must stay inside the boundaries He has presented and avoid sin. The blessing will come to us when we do. 

Psalm 1:1-2

Blessed (fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God) is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked (following their advice and example), nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit (down to rest) in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law (His precepts and teachings) he (habitually) meditates day and night.

Our environment matters when it comes to our friends, our spare time, and our focus. How we manage and what engages our thoughts matters. It takes positive focus to succeed in anything in this life, including Jesus and the Bible. The more we delight and meditate on the law of the Lord, the brighter our spiritual light will shine. 

Psalm 32:10-11

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he who trust in and relies on the Lord shall be surrounded with compassion and lovingkindness.  Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous (who actively seek right standing with Him); shout for joy, all you upright in heart.  

Think about the feeling of being lost with no map, no guide, and no direction.  Trusting and relying on the Lord is never having to have the feeling of being lost.  The relationship with God surrounds the believer with love, compassion, and freedom.  God has the answers when we do not, now sit back and trust and rely.  

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Now may our God and Father Himself, and Jesus our Lord guide our steps to you (by removing the obstacles that stand in our way). And may the Lord cause you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you. 

Paul faced obstacles in getting to the believers of His time.  We may also encounter obstacles reaching out to fellow believers and non-believers.  Jesus is the remover of those obstacles.  He knows what we face and how to overcome it.  The Lord will cause our love to grow for each other and any barriers to be removed. 

James 4:11

Believers, do not speak against or slander one another.  He who speaks (self-righteously) against a brother or judges his brother (hypocritically), speaks against the Law and judges the Law.  If you judge the Law, you are not a doer of the Law but a judge of it.  

We must keep our thoughts lined up with the word.  When our thoughts line up with the word, what we speak about others will line up with the word.  We all will have the opportunity to be offended, but focusing on the word will help us reject the offense.  We don’t want to be a hypocritic judge but a doer of the word.

James 3:18

And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace (by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals). 

Believers should, to the best of their abilities, live in peace with other believers and non-believers. It is hard to grow with God when we are in strife because our focus is wrong.  Love and kindness should be at the center of our hearts.   It may take practice, but God loved us and forgave us, and so should we.